Championship 2026-27 preview highlights favorites and challenges
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 7:00 AM
Last updated Aug 13, 2026
The Championship 2026-27 season approaches with a mix of expectations from relegated teams. Two clubs have experienced tumultuous summers despite being favorites for a quick return. Jarrod Bowen's commitment to West Ham is a positive for the club while concerns linger over Southampton, amid the spygate scandal. The addition of playoff spots aims to encourage competitiveness among teams vying for promotion. A lack of significant transfer activity at some relegated clubs adds to the uncertainty as preparations continue.
- •Relegated teams favored for promotion in upcoming Championship season.
- •Confusing transfer activity raises concerns for some clubs.
- •Jarrod Bowen commits to West Ham, bolstering their lineup.
- •Spygate scandal casts uncertainty over Southampton's plans.
- •New playoff places introduced to enhance competition.
- 7:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Championship 2026-27 preview: the contenders, hopefuls and strugglers
"A mixed picture at the clubs coming down, more playoff places to encourage the pack – and the long shadow of spygate at Southampton The relegated teams, naturally, will be the favourites to go back up but two have endured confusing summers. Jarrod Bowen committing to West Ham was a bonus and the quality available to Nuno Espírito Santo should make bouncing back straightforward for the calmest of the clubs to have dropped down. They brought in huge fees for Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes but incoming activity has been pedestrian, which is the only minor cause of concern. Continue reading...
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